ABO serological blood groups are defined by genetic polymorphisms located at the ABO gene. Genetic polymorphisms at the ABO gene have been found associated with several cardiovascular traits, including coronary artery disease, stroke and venous thrombosis, the major common cardiovascular diseases . However which specific combination of ABO polymorphisms that lead to A1A1, A1A2, A1B, A2B, A2A2, OA1,OA2, OB or BB blood groups are truly associated with these traits is still not fully elucidated. A correct identification of the precise combinations that contribute to cardiovascular diseases and correct estimates of their impact on disease risk is mandatory before proposing genetics based prediction of individual disease risk. These two objectives will be addressed in the current proposal.
